Swing Bridge Replacement Uncovers Bigger Infrastructure Problem

A temporary traffic fix has now become a permanent part of Belize City’s plans to replace the historic Swing Bridge. But before engineers can connect the new Hyde’s Lane crossing to Regent Street West, they must address another serious problem: the existing bridge along that route is in far worse condition than expected. That discovery will force officials to close Regent Street West, demolish the deteriorating structure and build a replacement. Chief Engineer Evondale Moody says the additional work may create traffic disruptions, but it is necessary to ensure the new crossings can safely and efficiently move motorists across the Haulover Creek once the wider Swing Bridge project begins.

 

Evondale Moody, Chief Engineer, MIDH

“Initially it was based to be a temporary bridge at Hyde’s Lane and now it’s currently a permanent structure that we will put in place. So there will be an additional structure across the Haulover River to facilitate traffic movement within the city. That project is approximately, I would say, about seventy-five percent completed. We have done a hundred and twenty feet of a hundred and sixty feet in terms of the deck itself for that bridge structure and we are currently working on the approach on the north side that will link into North Front Street and Hyde’s Lane. The contractor also has programmed to continuously work on the south side, whereby we have to expand the bridge a little bit more onto Regent Street West. We’ve had some little delays there because in an assessment that we did of an existing bridge that is on Regent Street West, we have to demolish that structure because it’s not in very good structural condition. And so we have decided to add that onto the works that the contractor is doing. So what we’ll do, we’ll close Regent Street West in an effort for us to construct that new structure and then tie that into the bridge that we’re building across the Haulover River. So once we come across on the south side, you will have two approach, one on East Collet Canal and also one on West Collet Canal that you’ll have two entrance onto the new structure. And as, as I’ve said, that structure will remain permanent.”

 

Work on the Hyde’s Lane bridge is expected to be completed between November fifteenth and thirtieth.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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